Weight gain: why it’s happening and what you can do right now
Notice your clothes fitting tighter even though your habits haven’t changed? Weight gain isn’t always about overeating. It can come from fluids, medications, hormones, or simply losing muscle. The first step is figuring out what kind of weight gain you’re dealing with—fat, fluid, or muscle loss—because each needs a different fix.
Common medication and health causes
Some drugs are well known for causing weight changes. Steroids like prednisone often cause appetite increases and fluid retention. Certain antidepressants (for example, mirtazapine or some older SSRIs), some antipsychotics, insulin or sulfonylurea diabetes drugs, and some beta blockers can also lead to gradual weight gain. On the flip side, abrupt weight jumps—especially with swelling—can be fluid from heart, liver, or kidney problems. If you’re on anastrozole for breast cancer, mood and appetite shifts can happen too; we cover mental health effects in our anastrozole article.
If you suspect fluid rather than fat, medicines like furosemide remove extra water, but they’re prescription drugs and not the right choice without medical advice. Don’t stop or start meds on your own—talk with the prescriber about alternatives or dose changes. Our Prednisone Alternatives piece looks at options some doctors use to reduce steroid side effects like weight gain.
Practical steps to manage weight gain
Start with simple, trackable actions. Weigh yourself once a week at the same time and keep a short log. Track two things: scale weight and waist measurement. If weight climbs a few kilos in a week or you get sudden swelling, contact your doctor right away—rapid gain can signal fluid overload.
Diet tips that actually help: cut back on added salt (it drives water retention), swap sugary drinks for water, and add a bit more protein at meals to protect muscle. For movement, mix brisk walking with two short strength sessions a week—building muscle raises your resting metabolism. Sleep matters too: aim for consistent sleep because poor rest raises appetite hormones.
Talk to your clinician about medication options. Sometimes switching to a different antidepressant or adjusting a diabetes regimen makes a big difference. If you’re worried about access or safety when buying meds online, read our online pharmacy guides first and always confirm prescriptions with a licensed provider.
Finally, set realistic targets. Losing 0.25–0.5 kg (0.5–1 lb) per week is sustainable; faster often means losing water, not fat. If weight gain feels out of control despite sensible changes, push for tests—thyroid, liver, kidney, and heart checks can reveal underlying causes that need medical treatment.
Want deeper reading? Check our articles on prednisone alternatives, furosemide safekeeping, and anastrozole’s side effects to learn how specific drugs link to weight and what people do about it.
